As part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading, this volume reports the results of the study concerned with critical reading--that part of reading behavior which requires analysis and reasoning. Results of the reading exercises are reported for four age levels (9, 13, 17, and young adult, 26-35), four regions of the country (northeast, southeast, central, and west), four levels of parental education (no high school, some high school, graduated from high school, and post high school), seven sizes and types of community for ages 9 and 13 and in-school age 17, and four sizes of community for young adults. In addition, a chapter is given to a summary of the total results. (Sample exercises and some charts do not reproduce well due to type size.) (HOD) Primary type of information provided by report: Results (Topical).